Premier Academy League
5 December 2009, Carrington
MANCHESTER UNITED 2
Pogba 5, Tunnicliffe 24
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1
Thorne 89
05/12/2009 13:25, Report by Ben Hibbs
U18s: United 2 West Brom 1
United brought 2009 to a close in the Premier Academy League with a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at Carrington, as excellent strikes from Paul Pogba and Ryan Tunnicliffe secured all three points.
The victory is all the more pleasing considering the number of injuries Paul McGuinness has had to contend with in his squad.
However, it was good to see Michele Fornasier, John Cofie and Ravel Morrison all involved in the squad, particularly with the FA Youth Cup third round tie with Birmingham coming up on Thursday.
West Brom have a strong side this season so this final league match of the year was a tough prospect. But United made relatively light work of it early on, and the Reds were a goal in front after just five minutes following a wonder-strike from Paul Pogba.
The highly-rated French starlet, who has settled really quickly at United, picked the ball up 30 yards from goal, then steadied himself before arrowing in a superb shot into the far top corner. It's his second goal for the Under-18s, but his first in open play, and it was certainly one to savour.
The early goal was a great start for the Reds, but McGuinness' young charges soon extended the advantage after 24 minutes.
The shot was again struck from distance, this time from Pogba's central midfield partner Ryan Tunnicliffe. The combative Bury-born youngster picked his spot from 25 yards and drilled the ball into the bottom corner of the net with precision.
West Brom responded by threatening with several openings themselves, but United managed to keep the visitors at bay and took a 2-0 lead into the half-time break.
Will Keane, Scott Wootton and Tunnicliffe all went close for the Reds in a largely uneventful second half, but it was West Brom who grabbed the game's next goal in the last minute of normal time. It was probably what they deserved, but United ultimately ran out winners.
The victory continues a five-match unbeaten run which stretches back to the middle of October, and it bodes well ahead of Thursday's FA Youth Cup tie.
The match at Altrincham FC's Moss Lane ground kicks off at 19:00 GMT, and you can watch all the action live on MUTV. Or, if you're in the area, why not come down and cheer the young Reds on.
United: Devlin; Fornasier, Thorpe, Wootton, McGinty; Cole (Morrison 46), Pogba, Tunnicliffe, Ajose (Giverin 77); W.Keane, Cofie (Lingard 71).